This year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidates from various secondary schools in Kirinyaga County are set to receive essential personal effects, thanks to an initiative spearheaded by County Women Representative Jane Njeri Maina. The program, funded through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), aims to support both boys and girls in their academic journey by providing dignity bags containing necessary hygiene and personal care items.
In a concerted effort to promote equality and dignity among students, the dignity bags will include items such as soap, toothpaste, a vest, a brush, and crocs. Additionally, girls will receive sanitary pads. The initiative underscores the importance of addressing the needs of both genders to ensure a balanced and supportive environment for all students.
Speaking at the distribution event held at Kimwathi Day Secondary School in Gichugu, Kirinyaga, Hon. Njeri emphasized the need to consider both girls and boys in empowerment programs. “Empowering a girl child is essential, but for equality’s sake, we must also address the needs of the boy child,” she stated.
Despite the limited allocation of funds to the NGAAF, Hon. Njeri remains committed to expanding the program. She assured the students and parents that she is actively seeking partnerships to sustain and enhance the initiative. “I promise to look for partners to support this program,” she affirmed.
Hon. Njeri also touched on the recent actions by Gen Z, who took to the streets to protest societal imbalances and the unfair distribution of resources in the country. She highlighted the importance of such initiatives in addressing these imbalances and fostering a sense of fairness and equality among the younger generation.
The program’s impact extends beyond the immediate beneficiaries, contributing to the broader community by fostering a supportive educational environment. By addressing the personal needs of students, the initiative aims to alleviate some of the challenges they face, allowing them to focus more on their studies and less on external hardships.
The NGAAF-funded program represents a significant step towards supporting the educational journey of secondary school students in Kirinyaga County. As Hon. Njeri continues to advocate for additional support and resources, the initiative serves as a testament to the power of community-driven efforts in promoting education and equality.
